LINKFresh offers a simple approach to information technology
LINKFresh Inc., with U.S. headquarters in Ventura, CA, was specifically developed to provide a simple approach to information technology in the food industry, where typically knowledge of IT is less developed than in some other industries, such as banking. LINKFresh is a standalone company that is a wholly owned North American subsidiary of Anglia Business Solutions in Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Rice Fruit seeing one of the best apple crops in its 100-year history
Despite the unusual and devastating weather conditions in many apple-producing states this year that resulted in a 14 percent drop nationwide, Rice Fruit Co. in Gardners, PA, has one of the nicest apple crops ever in its 100-year history.
Mango recall intensifies; some illnesses confirmed
The Canadian Fruit Inspection Agency has expanded its recall of “Daniella” brand mangos to include the entire country because of a Salmonella Braenderup contamination concern that has resulted in about a dozen illnesses. In addition, mangos are suspected in a similar Salmonella outbreak in California.
Del Monte supports Miami HEAT Back to School event
Del Monte Fresh Produce supported the HEAT Back to School event Monday, Aug. 20. The HEAT, Del Monte and other corporate partners kicked off the 2012-13 school year by welcoming back the students and teachers of Orange Brook Elementary in Florida's Broward County.
Cantaloupe at Indiana farm match Salmonella outbreak strain
WASHINGTON — The Food & Drug Administration announced Aug. 28 that cantaloupe collected at Owensville, IN-based Chamberlain Farms Produce Inc. tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella that has sickened 178 people in 21 states.
Peruvian sweets looking divine for Oso Sweet
Although weather has presented its own set of challenges for growers of Peruvian sweet onions, Oso Sweet Onions is cautiously optimistic that the 2012 season will be a good one. “God willing, our volume will increase,” said President Brian Kastick. “We can control 80 percent. But 20 percent is in God’s hands.” The company, headquartered in Charleston, WV, is in its fourth season as a year-round marketer of sweet onions.
Addition of Sweet Celebration expands varietal offerings for fall season at Jasmine
A new table grape variety that is being offered this year for the first time by Jasmine Vineyards in Delano, CA, is Sweet Celebration. It is a red seedless variety with large berry size, great color and excellent eating quality, according to Brian Crettol, a salesman for the company.
“This is going to be our first year’s production in Sweet Celebration,” Mr. Crettol said Aug. 7. “It is starting to color. The sizing looks great. Bunch formation is good. There is a good crop hanging out there, so we are pretty excited about it.”
SPC Fall Conference an outstanding event
"We just hit the 300 mark in attendance for the Southeast Produce Council Fall Conference," Terry Vorhees, executive director of the SPC, told The Produce News Aug. 22. "We have a full and exciting venue planned and are looking forward to an outstanding event."
The conference, scheduled for Sept. 20-22, will be held at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, which is where the organization's very first fall event was held in 2000.
EPC to honor two produce industry veterans
The Eastern Produce Council plans to honor two produce industry veterans at its annual dinner-dance this fall.
The council will honor Arthur R. Brown Jr., best known for his long service as secretary of agriculture for the state of New Jersey, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, a first for the organization, according to EPC Executive Director John McAleavey.
New director of sales at Southern Specialties
Southern Specialties Inc. announced that Brad Bailey has joined the company as director of sales.